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Andakira Hotel is located amidst the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach in Phuket, where a nightlife of beeping mopeds and chaotic streets tailored to tourism are very mainstream, so this shiny new urban hotel stands out from the crowd for the simple fact that it is well, brand new and shiny!
Entering the hip-décor foyer to the sound of surround water features, you can rest on the ultra modern couches for check in. Your Superior room will have you comfortable in air conditioning, in a clinically clean suite with modern western toilet and shower, looking out over Patong's red-tile-roofed town towards the tropical mountain greenery that borders the beach village. ‘Anda' actually means sea in Thai, and ‘Kira' means mountain, so when you're standing on the balcony looking at such a magnificent mountain, a name like that makes complete sense for the location of the hotel.
A large TV and wireless internet access and cute balcony are yours to be entertained with - if you don't head up to the infinity lap pool or jacuzzi and pool bar (where you can also play pool) or have a massage & Spa treatment.
Leave your important belongings in the safe while you take a free shuttle bus to Patong beach for the day, for a spot of swimming and suntanning. Meander through shops, massage parlours and restaurants that keep the Patong tourist town alive, then catch the bus back to the hotel (also free) just be aware of the return bus time, as the last one is early evening.
The restaurant offers daily buffet breakfast for you to start your day with a full belly. It also offers Thai food for sit downs, or you can order room service if you crave Western food. Otherwise, food options just around the corner are at a night bazaar, or extremely modern and fancy shopping mall with high quality restaurant alley - if you're looking to forget that you are in Thailand (it's very tourist orientated) If heading to this mall be sure to stop by the indoor fish tanks to have plank fish nibble at your food for a natural skin exfoliation, 15 minutes for 99 thb, cheap as chips in Thailand. Or for the boys is a massive Muay Thai Boxing Stadium with regular boxing matches, can't miss this hyper-coloured world!
Andakira Hotel is a very clean abode, I'd recommend it as exactly where you should stay if you want to holiday in Thailand during the day, and stay ‘at home' during the night.
Dinner of the Senses, Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
Dinner of the senses at Banyan Tree Resort in Thailand's Phuket is so picturesque you'll think you are dreaming...
Dinner of the senses Banyan Tree, Phuket, Thailand
The Spa Pool Villa at the Banyan Tree in Thailand's idyllic Phuket is where you can holiday in luxury and feel like absolute royalty.
I arrived at the Banyan Tree Resort and Spa as a large group of guests were leaving an Indian Wedding holiday stay. Ten packed vans headed for the airport and more guests staying behind, as I entered the grand foyer. My transfer driver had mentioned a very wealthy couple paid for their guests to stay for the whole week, charge anything to their room - completely enjoy themselves, with one bill totalling... well, a very successful week for this hotel. I wondered why such a famously wealthy couple would choose this particular hotel to celebrate a happy and typically expensive union - it must be worth it. I was told that Jean Claude Van Dam and the band Good Charlotte also chose to stay here for their Thai sojourn. Celebrity's stay here? ...Just ten minutes later, after checking in and viewing my spa pool villa, I completely understood.
For the check-in process I was escorted poolside with chilled rose tea and scented ice washcloth, while my passport details were recorded. Presented with a host called Oai, who was to act as my personal assistant for the entire stay, Oai told me she would make sure I was at the right place and time for activities I selected. Oai was super smiley and efficient, providing me immediately with a mobile phone - programmed with her number and the hotel reception, so that we could keep in contact easily. Offering to carry my handbag, and ordering the bell boy to transport my luggage to my room, Oia drove the buggy (while mumbling ‘oops' a couple of times - as driving a buggy is different to driving her regular moped she told me, and I had to laugh for I could see that were true,) through the very large resort grounds to the Banyan Tree's Private Pool Spa Villa Section (it has it's own entrance and lobby.)
If you are ever lucky enough to stay in a Spa Pool Villa at the Banyan Tree, you'll find that being treated like royalty is how you spend your stay. Relaxing in your own royal oasis within an oasis. Just walking across a bridge upon lily pad waters to your exclusively luscious garden with serene pool area is a breathtaking experience. An infinity pool looks out to a magnificent sky-mirroring lake, adjoining an outdoor bubble Jacuzzi and bath with an outdoor shower area too - all yours to enjoy completely and privately. Cushioned beds face towards the pool by another lake of floating lily pads, which also encircles the villa and gives a great glimpse inside your ultra modern abode, through transparent glass walls. An outdoor sun lounge and twin massage tables stand overlooking the horizon to watch the Thai sky turn pink at sunset and sunrise, and a Buddha statue watches over - encompassing a Zen-like state.
I was still mesmerized with the outdoor area, as Oai took me inside for the interior tour. Stepping into the villa I found myself in perfectly chilled air-con with three mysterious doors presenting themselves. I felt like Alice in wonderland opening each door. Behind door number one to the right, I found an ultra modern lounging area with luxurious Asian décor of black and gold trimmings. With patterned canvas prints adorning the walls, and an overflowing fresh fruit bowel, (refreshed everyday of my stay,) as the centrepiece. A huge flat screen TV, fancy mini bar and complimentary Twinings tea selection, modern espresso machine, and DVD player were mine to be entertained with. A large soft sofa lounge adorned with giant sized cushions, and sidelined with travel magazines and Thai Photography books - there to peruse in my down time. (What down time? I'm too busy indulging in luxury!) A study area set with a stationery and inward facing desk were perfectly placed for the laptop I had brought along (If only to describe my luxurious surroundings to friends on Facebook... ) Views through the window-walls were of surrounding lush tropical plantation, my infinity pool and horizon lake. Yes, I was in heaven.
Opening door number two I found a deluxe bathroom with glass walls revealing more exquisiteness of the exterior gardening, and a tall mirror area. Here was an abundance of complementary toiletries such as soaps, hairbrush, toothbrush and paste, nail file, sunscreen and usual accessories all of a very high quality. Banyan Tree proudly decorates the room with self-branded hand towels, lotions and potions, comfy slippers and dressing gowns. Under the mirror were two pots of salt, with instructions ‘Scrub of the Day: Prepare warm bath, soak your body for 10 mins, scrub gently with a circular movement.' And at the end of the room two grand outward opening doors took me directly to a generous bath - aka second outdoor Jacuzzi, also surrounded by floating lily pads. (This gets filled with flower petals and lit up with candles if you are lucky enough to experience the Banyan Tree's ‘night of bliss.')
The last door, number three - in the middle - opened to the master bedroom with a extra large king size bed and feather pillows encompassed in a glass wall - showing off outsides tropical plant life on water. Double layer curtains were electronically hooked to close at night (if you prefer not to be awoken by the sunlight in morning.) Looking up, a huge silk tent ceiling extended the luxe factor for slumber time. A miniature pillow selection was on display in case I wanted to change the material of my bedding. Aromatherapy filled the rooms with a beautiful scent everyday, and an incense and oil selection was also provided.
For complete luxury, friendly faces, and serene grounds - a stay here should be on the to-do in life list.
The Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro is a hidden, pristine and very private getaway, that feels very remote in this archipelago of ten islands on the Caribbean coast of Panama - yet it is easily accessible. Only a few places around the world have been able to retain the particular atmosphere and authenticity of Bocas del Toro: seductive, primitive and unforgettable. It is a haven for snorkelers and divers, with crystal-clear impossibly turquoise waters and rainforest ecology; it's also one of the most multi-cultural places in Panama. In Bocas, you have the option of staying on the main island, Isla Colon - the site of the only real town, Bocas Town, and its selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Although Bocas del Toro has become quite popular with indie travelers in recent years, relatively low-key development has left an authenticity an unpolished vibe that is highly appealing to those looking to escape beach destinations full of mega-resorts.
Or, you can take a water taxi out to one of the other islands which are quieter and more secluded - some more than others. A 20 minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town will bring you to the Garden of Eden on Isla Solarte - a small three-room property that offers a true getaway-from-it-all in paradise. Technically, Garden of Eden is not even an actual part of Isla Solarte, but its own tiny island connected to Solarte by mangroves.
Stepping out of the boat onto the Garden of Eden dock, you will likely be met by Kip the owner and Zeus, the exuberant dog. The grounds are small but lush and gorgeous, with little paths that wind up to the rooms, dining area, pool, game room, and also down to a boat dock on the back side that is good for swimming and kayaking.
The three rooms are simple but comfortable, and offer private decks with that essential island item: hammocks. At Garden of Eden you can have all the remote downtime you want; but it's also relatively easy to make your way around the Bocas archipelago to do activities. Keep in mind that it's a 20-minute water taxi ride to Bocas Town if you want some shopping or nightlife, and you need to arrange for a ride ahead of time. You can also take boats to neighboring islands for beaches and other restaurants, or if you're up to a 30-45 minute kayak trip you can take the property kayaks across to Isla Bastimentos where there is a marina, restaurants and several beaches. Isla Bastimentos is also home to the Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos, Panama’s oldest marine park. Tours of all sorts are available for snorkeling, diving, fishing, jungle exploration and cultural experiences with indigenous villages.
And of course, just hanging at the peaceful Garden of Eden or swimming in the pool are laudable pastimes. The property is Adults Only, and with just three bungalows it's easy to rent the whole place with a few friends. The Garden of Eden offers quiet, upscale accommodations , free hi-speed internet access, and a full service bar and restaurant. Two cabanas are located adjacent to the pool, with queen size beds and a futon that can open to a full size bed; private bathroom with hot and cold rain water showers; and a veranda with a hammock and chairs to enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of the bay. The third room is a suite with both a king and a queen sized bed, private bathroom with hot and cold rain water shower, and a large deck with a hammock, lounge chairs and a ceiling fan.
Rates are $150-170 per night for two people, including continental breakfast.
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Explore Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama
The 32 miles of sugar-white beaches along Alabama’s Gulf Coast shoreline is a family-oriented destination that offers great nature and outdoors adventures, some of the most fantastic seafood in the U.S., and plenty of child-friendly activities.
The sister cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach lie a true island, 27,000 acres separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway, and offering nearly 400,000 acres of protected back bay waters.
State and local Alabama officials are doing more to promote Gulf Coast Alabama ecotourism activities, including an Ecotourism Summit, Coastal Cleanup and a sea turtle monitoring program. The beaches here are consistently rated among the best in the United States. Here’s our road map for how to best enjoy their natural resources with your family.
Hike or Bike Wildlife Refuges
This area is a bounty for nature lovers, and the best way to experience it is often on foot or by pedal. Rent a bike from Beach Bike Rentals and hop directly on one of six trails that make up the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, 11 miles of paved paths that are home to six distinct ecosystems. Rare and threatened plant communities, incredible bird sightings, a variety of small mammals and even alligators can all be sighted from cycling trails easy enough for most ages.
Or visit the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1980 to protect the coastal dune ecosystem and its endangered species. Coming from the French for “safe harbor,” these 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat are easily accessible via multiple trails, and a launch site for canoes and kayaks is planned for summer 2013. Designated as one of Alabama’s Ten Natural Wonders, Bon Secour charges no entry fees.
Get on the Water for an Informative Nature Cruise
The water is clearly the pull here. Bill and Cheryl Mitchell of Cetacean Cruises run dolphin and nature cruises on their custom pontoon boat, at a very affordable $15 and up. Spotting the area’s playful dolphins is always exciting, but Captain Bill is extremely knowledgeable and protective of them. “They have the intelligence of an eight-year-old human,” he explains. “If you love dolphins and want to see a sustainable practice, you’ve come to the right place.” Cetacean is the only area company that passed the test to become certified for the Dolphin SMART program from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
For a completely different on-the-water experience, climb aboard with Captain Skip of Sailaway Charters. On a 2-3 hour sailing adventure, Skip shows his guest how to go crabbing and shrimping, as well as various oyster techniques and bird identification. You will very likely also spot dolphin trailing along behind the boat for the leftovers.
Captain your own boat in a Kayak
For a more independent experience, you can grab your own kayak and glide along the peaceful estuaries of Graham Creek Nature Preserve in nearby Foley. These 484 acres of southern gothic waterway wind in and out of marsh grasses and larger bodies of water, with ancient water oaks lining the banks while pelicans and great blue herons fly overhead. Once out in more open water, you’re likely to spot bottlenose dolphin. You can rent your own kayak to launch from the Graham Creek launching dock, or set up with an experienced guide such as Certified Master Naturalist Carol Furman, through Fairhope Boat Company.
Relax on Sugar White Beaches
When all of the outdoor adventures and physical activity has worn you out, it’s the perfect time to recharge on the sands that the island is famous for. Turquoise water meets soft white sand that curves gently up into grass-covered dunes. The city of Orange Beach has three Gulf State Park beach areas, and Gulf Shores has eight. Most offer public restrooms, showers, picnic tables or pavilions and miles of pristine beach. Some, like Lake Shelby, Cotton Bayou and Gulf Shores Public Beach, have more activity going on with people fishing, water skiing, boating or playing volleyball. Others are more secluded and quiet—if that’s your thing, try Florida Point, Gulf State Park or the beach at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
Eating Sustainably
When it comes dining out—and nighttime entertainment—your eco-vacation doesn’t have to go awry. At Lucy Buffett’s Lulu’s at Homeport, run by the sister of famous parrothead Jimmy Buffett, sustainability is an important part of both the food and the business operation. They serve only grass-fed, Alabama-raised beef and sustainably-caught fish—diners are even provided a website where they can see exactly where their fish was caught. Lulu’s also received the prestigious Seventh Generation Award from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in 2009, given annually to the person or organization that embodies the tenets of sustainability, stewardship and pro-active practice in considering our natural resources.
Lulu’s was recognized for, among other things, its installation of an environmentally-friendly windmill and being one of the first public venues to incorporate the rain garden concept into their parking lots, dramatically improving the quality of stormwater runoff into the Intracoastal Waterway. “With the volume of business that we have enjoyed in Gulf Shores, it was a natural progression for us to think of how we could operate from a more environmentally friendly point of view to help take care of the absolutely gorgeous natural beauty of Gulf Shores,” said Buffett. “What we have done at LuLu’s has brought awareness and sparked conversations between all types of people and agencies. Plus, it is just a lot of fun.”